Fire Department Unveils New Riverfront Pump 7-02-2010

Every summer, thousands line the riverfront in Bay City for everything from fireworks to boat racing. But what if a fire broke out in one of the parks?There are no nearby fire hydrants, but there is an entire river full of water. Now the Bay City Fire Department has come up with a way to use that water in an emergency.In a squirt gun fight, the department would be hard to beat. They combined a pump from the water department with special connectors for their fire hoses to use as an alternative source of water along the riverfront, where there are no fire hydrants."We found that over the years as the park has been renovated, the fire hydrants have been moved, said Capt. Robert Phillips, a Bay City firefighter training officer.Your house has about 20 pounds of water pressure flowing through it, but the new pump delivers 60 pounds, the same as a hydrant.The idea had its roots in planning for the upcoming Tall Ship Celebration and the wooded vessels that will be docked along the seawall.We can use it in an emergency involving [the] tall ships, the Princess Wenonah -- any emergency along the river," said Phillips.Local machinists made the couplings and the water department supplied the pump.It will be stored close to the riverfront during the many summer festivals for added fire protection, and can be loaned to other area departments if needed.Fire department officials said crews are training with the pump this week and the cost of the rig was minimal.

Family and friends of a Mid-Michigan man fear he may soon be deported to Cuba. Immigration and Customs has stepped up enforcement recently. That enforcement led to the recent detainment of a Bay City man.

Family and friends of a Mid-Michigan man fear he may soon be deported to Cuba. Immigration and Customs has stepped up enforcement recently. That enforcement led to the recent detainment of a Bay City man.

Airline employee Denice Miracle is credited with saving two teenage girls from a human trafficking plot. She said she first noticed something was wrong when the girls approached the check-in counter with their bags -- but no ID.

Airline employee Denice Miracle is credited with saving two teenage girls from a human trafficking plot. She said she first noticed something was wrong when the girls approached the check-in counter with their bags -- but no ID.